IDF deploys extra troops to West Bank ahead of Knesset vote
Security forces implemented temporary road closures and arrest operations in three districts to manage election day risks.
By Alexander Wright ·
The Israel Defense Forces initiated special security blockades in West Bank cities on Monday night in preparation for the 26th Knesset election.
Commanders aimed to limit friction between Israeli and Palestinian residents by controlling movement around specific towns and villages. Brig. Gen. Kobi Heller, who leads the Judea and Samaria Division, supervised these preparations over the previous 24 hours. The strategy involved creating breathing closures and temporary roadblocks that allow for regulated transit through areas identified as potential flashpoints for violence.
Security forces also focused on preventing terrorist infiltration and attacks during the holiday period. Troops stationed along the security barrier received reinforcements to guard against potential crossings. In the Qalqilya, Jenin, and Nablus districts, soldiers conducted arrest operations to increase pressure on the ground. Units also performed field interrogations and warned individuals accused of inciting violence. A security official told Walla on Tuesday morning that engineering units were preparing to demolish illegal structures, homes of terrorists, and monuments to counter copycat attacks.
In the Binyamin region, the Paratroopers Brigade, led by Col. Roi Zweig, launched operations to combat nationalist crime in the Shiloh Valley. Despite these efforts, security forces did not stop all incidents of settler violence overnight. Palestinian vehicles were torched in the area. The IDF anticipated that many Israelis would visit hiking sites during the Election Day public holiday. Consequently, additional troops were assigned to secure pre-coordinated hiking routes.
Heller emphasized the need for tight coordination among the Israel Police, the Israel Border Police, and the Shin Bet. This joint effort is designed to ensure a rapid operational response if incidents occur on Election Day.
The IDF scheduled further troop deployments to hiking areas and continued monitoring of the security barrier throughout the voting period.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
